Which term best describes a violence that is planned in advance and directed at a specific target?

• A. Predatory violence
• B. Spontaneous violence
• C. Domestic violence
• D. Affective violence

Answer: (A)

Understanding the type of violence hinges on whether the act is carefully planned and aimed at a particular person. Predatory violence is described by premeditation and targeting: the perpetrator selects a specific victim and orchestrates the act to achieve a goal, making it an instrumental act driven by intent rather than emotion. In contrast, spontaneous violence arises from a sudden impulse or emotional surge with little planning and no fixed target. Domestic violence refers to violence within intimate relationships and is defined by the relationship context and dynamics rather than the level of planning or targeting. Affective violence is motivated by strong emotions like anger or fear and tends to be less calculated. Because the question emphasizes planning in advance and directing the violence at a specific target, predatory violence is the best fit.